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Air ForceCOVER STORYDefence Industry & Technology

ICG Inducts Indigenous Hovercraft to Boost Operations

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Indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles

New Delhi: The first of the six indigenous Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), being constructed by Chowgule & Company Private Limited for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), was inducted into service in Goa on June 18, 2026. The hovercraft aims to enhance ICG’s operational effectiveness across a broad spectrum of maritime duties and reinforce its ability to respond to emerging challenges. Its induction would further the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and serve as a reflection of the growing strength of the maritime industrial base of the country.

The induction ceremony was held in the presence of senior ICG officials and representatives from the shipbuilding industry. The induction underscores the organisation’s continued focus on modernisation and capability enhancement in support of its mandate to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests. The contract for the acquisition of six ACVs for ICG was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Chowgule & Company Private Limited on October 24, 2026. 

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COVER STORYNavy

PASSING OUT PARADE OF BATCH 01/26 AT INS CHILKA

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Passing Out Parade

New Delhi: INS Chilka witnessed a proud and momentous occasion as 3,011 trainees of Batch 01/26, successfully passed out on 12 Jun 2026 after completing 16 weeks of rigorous ab-initio naval training. The Passing Out Parade marked their successful transformation from recruits into disciplined, motivated and professionally trained personnel, ready to take on the challenges of naval service.

The batch comprised 2,746 Agniveers, including 116 women Agniveers of the Indian Navy, and 265 Naviks of the Indian Coast Guard.

The Passing Out Parade was reviewed by VAdm Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, as the Chief Guest. Cmde B Deepak Aneel, Station Commander, INS Chilka, was the Conducting Officer of the parade. The event was attended by distinguished veterans, senior officers, eminent personalities and family members of the passing out trainees, adding warmth and pride to the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, VAdm Sanjay Vatsayan congratulated the trainees on successfully completing the demanding training programme. He exhorted them to uphold the Indian Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour and Courage and serve the nation with dedication, integrity and professionalism.

In recognition of exceptional performance during the training, the Chief Guest presented medals, trophies and awards to outstanding trainees. The Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Trainee (SSR) and (MR) were awarded to Kornana Dhanalakshmi and Rudhikesh Maruti Pawar respectively. The Rolling Trophy for Best Woman Trainee in the Overall Order of Merit was awarded to Prapti Ramesh Chavhan, while Devasish was adjudged the Best Navik (GD).

Prior to the Passing Out Parade, a Valedictory Function was organised, which included the presentation of the End-of-Term Report and a vibrant cultural programme by the trainees. The Overall Championship Trophy was awarded to Kharavela Division, while Angre Division secured the Runners-Up position.

The occasion also witnessed the unveiling of Ankur (01/26), the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka, capturing the experiences, achievements and transformational journey of the trainees during their 16 weeks training at INS Chilka.

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